Baling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A binding material storage apparatus for a round baler having a rotary magazine for storage of a plurality of rolls of binding material, the rotary magazine being rotatable about a horizontal axis between a plurality of discrete positions, each discrete position being suitable for storage of a roll of a binding material and from which position the binding material may be dispensed. This allows an operator to have more than one kind of binding material ready for use, or multiple rolls of preferred kind of binding material ready for use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a baling apparatus and in particular to a binding material storage apparatus for a baling apparatus for producing round bales.

BACKGROUND

Round balers are well known in the art. Such balers pick up a harvested crop and feed the crop into a baling chamber where it is compressed into a cylindrical bale. Before ejecting the formed bale from the baling chamber it is necessary to wrap or bind the formed bale with a binding material, for example film or netwrap. The binding material is typically supplied as a roll of binding material. It will be appreciated that the binding material is a major consumable in the operation of such a baler. Additionally, such rolls of binding material are heavy and cumbersome to manoeuvre. As such, loading such rolls into position onto the baler by an operator such that the binding material can be dispensed into the baling chamber by way of a binding material delivery apparatus is a difficult task that needs to repeated throughout the operation of the baler.

Further an operator may be baling in a number of different fields binding different crop materials such that different binding materials are required to be used. In such a situation, an operator, such as a contractor, may have to switch between netwrap and filmwrap more than once per day.

A number of solutions to this problem have been proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a binding material storage apparatus comprises a rotary magazine for storage of a plurality of rolls of binding material, the rotary magazine being rotatable about a horizontal axis between a plurality of discrete positions including a dispense position, each discrete position being suitable for storage of a roll of a binding material.

This has as an advantage that the task of management of a plurality of rolls of binding material is made substantially easier. The invention allows “ready to bind storage” of multiple rolls of binding material with very little effort to engage the desired roll of binding material. The device also eases moving away from reloading of a fresh roll of binding material into the storage apparatus each time a roll of binding material is exhausted as multiple full rolls of binding material can be ready for use. In operation, the plurality of rolls of binding material can be multiple rolls of netwrap only or of film wrap only or a mixture of these and other appropriate binding materials.

Preferably, the binding material support apparatus further comprises first and second side elements between which the rotary magazine is supported.

Preferably, the rotary magazine includes first and second end plates between which a plurality of support elements extend, one support element for each of the plurality of discrete positions.

Preferably, each support element is mounted for free rotation in the magazine.

Preferably, each support element comprises a bar and an end housing, a first end of the bar being mounted for free rotation with respect to the end housing.

Preferably, the rotary magazine further comprises a latching mechanism releasably to retain the end housing to a first side plate of the rotary magazine.

Preferably, each support member is provided at a second end with a clevis joint mounted on a spindle retained within a second end plate of the rotary magazine.

Preferably, each spindle is provided with a gear mounted to the outside of the second end plate of the magazine.

Preferably, each of the support elements is provided with a first adjustable locating element. More preferably, each of the support elements is also provided with a second adjustable locating element.

Preferably, the rotary magazine is provided with a drive mechanism to selectively rotate the magazine between the discrete positions. This has as an advantage that stored rolls of binding material may be brought into the dispense position.

Preferably, the drive mechanism comprises a first larger gear associated with a main axle of the rotary magazine and a second smaller drive gear associated with the second side element.

Preferably, the drive mechanism is manually operated.

Preferably, the second smaller drive gear is associated with a disengagable crank adapted for releasable engagement with the second side element.

Alternatively, the second smaller gear is mounted on the second side element and provided with electrically operated drive means.

Preferably, the binding material storage apparatus further includes locking apparatus to allow releaseable engagement of the magazine with at least one of the first and second side elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first side view of a binding material storage apparatus in accordance with the present invention located on a baler frame;

FIG. 2 shows a first perspective view of the binding material storage apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a second perspective view of the binding material storage apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a first perspective view of first end of the binding material storage apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows a second perspective view of the first end of the binding material storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 shows a third perspective view of the first end of the binding material storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an adjustable locating element suitable for use in the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a first perspective view of a second end of the binding material storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 shows a second perspective view of the second end of the binding material storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are described in detail to enable practice of the invention. Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. But to the contrary, the invention includes numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents as will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description.

Reference to terms such as longitudinal, transverse and vertical are made with respect to a longitudinal vehicle axis which is parallel to a normal forward direction of travel.

As is known in the art, binding refers to the binding of a bale within the baling chamber of a round baler and is distinguished from the binding of a bale outside of the baling chamber for example on a wrapping table of a wrapping apparatus.

With reference to the Figures, a binding material storage apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The binding material storage apparatus 2 is provided with a support structure which in turn allows the binding material storage apparatus to be connected to a frame 4 of a baler (FIG. 1 ). The support structure comprises side elements 6,8 connected by a cross beam 10. Lower portions of each of the side elements 6,8 allow mounting of the support structure to the frame 4 of the baler in any suitable manner. Upper portions of each of the side elements 6,8 support the ends of the binding material storage apparatus as described below.

In the apparatus of the illustrated embodiment, up to three rolls of binding material 90 may be stored.

The binding material storage apparatus comprises a magazine located between the side elements 6,8. The magazine includes first and second end plates 12,14. A plurality of support elements 20 extend between the end plates 12,14. Each support element 20 is pivotally connected at a first end to first end plate 12 at a first side of the binding material storage apparatus and releasably connected at a second end to the second end plate 14 at the second side of the binding material storage apparatus.

Each support element 20 comprises a bar mounted for free rotation at a second end within an end housing 21. The end housing 21 is adapted to be received within a latching device 24 provided on the inner side of the first end plate 12.

A biased retaining pin 22 is mounted to the first side plate 12 of the binding material storage apparatus. A free end of the retaining pin 22 secures the latching device 24 in position on an inner side of the first side plate 12. The latching device 24 secures the first end of the support element 20 in a working position. By withdrawing the retaining pin 22 against the action of the biasing means, the latching device 24 is released allowing the first end of the supporting element 20 to be moved away from the first side plate 12 of the binding material storage apparatus. In practice, this allows the first end of the support element 20 to be angled down towards a suitable binding material roll support 26 located beneath the binding material storage apparatus.

Towards each end, each support member 20 is provided with a number of through bores 32. Where the bar of the support element 20 is formed as a tubular member, the though bore conveniently comprises a pair of diametrically aligned through bores (as shown in FIG. 5 ).

An adjustable locating element 34 is provided at each end of each support element 20. The adjustable locating element 34 comprises a main body portion 36 with a keyhole opening or channel allowing the adjustable locating element 34 to be passed over and be seated on the support element 20. Conveniently the inner end of the channel is semi-circular to allow proper seating of the adjustable locating element 34 on the support element 20. The main body portion 36 is provided with parallel lateral elements 38, each provided with a number of through bores 40. These through bores 40 are sized and located to be aligned with the bores 32 in the support element 20. The adjustable locating element 34 further comprises a plurality of circumferentially located fins 42. Each of the fins 42 incudes a curved edge arranged to be angled down towards the centre of the binding material storage apparatus when the adjustable locating element 34 is in position on the support element 20.

A first end of a clip 28 is pivotally attached to a second end of a peg 30 and is moveable between a first position in which the clip encircles a portion of a locating element mounted on the support element 20 and a second position in which it does not. In use, the peg 30 extends through both the adjustable locating element 34 and the support element 20 to locate the adjustable locating element 34 axially with respect to the support element 20.

The second end of the support element is supported at the second side of the binding material storage apparatus by a pivoting joint (FIG. 9 ). A further adjustable locating element 34 is fixed in a suitable manner towards the second end of each support element 20. The further adjustable locating element is of similar construction to the first adjustable locating element 34 and like reference numerals are used.

The second end plate 14 is provided with a plurality of openings. Each opening is provided with an inwardly extending boss 48. For each opening, a central spindle 50 is mounted in a suitable bearing. A gear 52 is mounted to each central spindle on an outer side of the second end plate 14. An inner end of each spindle 50 is provided with a clevis 46 for connecting with the second end of the support element by use of a clevis pin. In an alternative embodiment a universal joint may be used to connect the support member 20 with the central spindle 50.

The side element 8 at the second end of the magazine is provided with an electrically controlled braking gear 70.

The cross beam 10 is conveniently provided with a biased lever 80. The biased lever comprises first and second side arms 82. First ends of the side arms are connected by a connecting rod about which a biasing spring 84 is mounted. Second ends of the side arms are connected by a plurality of connecting pins on which are mounted rollers 86. The connecting pins are provided in an arcuate arrangement at the second end of the biased lever 80.

A central axle 54 extends through the first end plate 12 across the binding material storage apparatus 2 and through the second end plate 14. Each end of the central axle 54 is mounted in a suitable bearing provided in a mounting 55 provided at an upper end of each side support 6,8 of the binding material storage apparatus.

A first end of the magazine is provided with a drive mechanism to enable rotation of the magazine. A first end of the central axle 54 is provided with a larger gear 56 mounted outside of the first side support 6. The first side support 6 is further provided with a suitably located mounting aperture.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 9 , a manual drive mechanism is provided. A releasable handle or crank 60 is provided with a smaller drive gear 58 mounted at one end about a guide pin or spigot. Conveniently smaller drive gear 58 is mounted by way of a clutch or ratchet mechanism to allow one-way movement of the smaller drive gear 58 with respect to the rest of the handle 60. In order to rotate the magazine, an operator engages the guide pin within the mounting aperture in the first side support 6. When the guide pin is correctly located in the mounting aperture, a periphery of the smaller gear 58 engages with a periphery of the first larger gear 56.

The handle 60 is used by an operator to rotate the second smaller drive gear 58, in turn causing rotation of the first larger gear 56 and so rotation of the magazine of the binding material storage apparatus 2.

In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 10 ) the second smaller drive gear may be directly mounted to the first side support and provided with electric drive means 120. The electric drive means 120. is in electronic communication with an electronic control unit 110. The electronic control unit has access to a memory unit 112. The memory unit 112 may take any suitable form and is in electronic communication with the electronic control unit 110. The memory unit 112 is adapted to store, in any suitable manner such as a database or look up table, reference values as may be required. The electronic control unit 110 is also in connection with a user terminal 122.

Conveniently the signals between the electronic components are provided by way of a suitable data communication network 114 such as one compliant with the ISOBUS standard (a network in conformance to ISO 11783).

The electronic control unit 110 may conveniently comprise a single processor located on the baler or its functions may be split between a first processor located on the baler and one or more additional processors located on an agricultural vehicle towing the baler, the additional processor(s) being in electronic communication with the first processor. The user terminal 122 allows the operator to signal to the electronic control unit 110 that rotation of the magazine is required. The electronic control unit 110 then operates the electric drive means 120 to cause the magazine to rotate.

The drive means allows an operator to rotate the magazine of the binding material storage apparatus around a central axis of rotation to enable selection of preferred roll of binding material 90—for example either to select a different binding material or to replenish an expired roll without the need to retrieve a roll of binding material for loading. Rotation of the magazine also causes the gears 52 on the second end to be rotated such that an initial gear 52 is disengaged from the electrically controlled braking gear 70 and the electrically controlled braking gear 70 then becomes engaged with a subsequent gear 52.

Guide elements 62 are arranged between the support elements 20. Each guide element 62 extends across the binding material storage apparatus 2 between the first and second end plates 12,14.

In the illustrated embodiment there are three support elements 20 arranged substantially equidistantly from one another, and three guide elements 62, each guide element 62 being located between adjacent pairs of support elements 20. In this embodiment the end plates 12,14 are substantially triangular with the support elements 20 arranged between the apexes of the end plates 12,14.

In practice, in order to load a roll of binding material, the first adjustable locating element 34 is removed from the support element 20 and the biased retaining pin 22 used to release the latching device 24 to allow the second end of the support element 20 to be released from the second side plate 14 of the binding material storage apparatus and allowed to incline at an angle.

Any empty rolls of binding material may then be removed from the support element 20.

Rolls 90 of binding material typically comprise a central tube around which has been wound a length of binding material. When the support element 20 is released in this way, the second end of the support element 20 is angled such that loading of the roll of binding material onto the binding material support 26 centres the second end of the support element 20 within a tube of a roll of binding material to be loaded. A fresh roll of binding material is then pushed into position along the support element 20 such that a first end of the tube of the roll of binding material engages with the fins 42 of the second adjustable locating element 46 thereby centring the first end of the roll of binding material on the support element 20.

The first adjustable locating element 34 is then returned to the second end of the support element 20 and pushed into the second end of the roll of binding material. A cross piece 92 is added to the open end of the channel (cf FIG. 7 ). The cross piece 92 passes over locating pins 94 provided on the main body portion 36 of the locating element 34 and secured in place using a clip 96 at each end of the cross piece 92, the clips 96 passing through a through opening in each respective locating pin 94. Conveniently the clips 96 are tethered to the adjustable locating element 34, in any suitable manner, so that the clips 96 do not become lost and are readily to hand for use by an operator.

The second end of the support element 20 (together with the roll of binding material) is then raised so that the second end of the support element 20 (more specifically the end housing 21) engages in the latch mechanism 24 and the second end of the support element 20 is once again supported at the second side of the binding material storage apparatus 2.

The central axle 54 is provided toward the second end with a radially enlarged region 98. This region is provided with a plurality of blind bores 100 arranged axially along the enlarged region 98.

A lever (not shown) is engaged at one end in one of the plurality of blind bores 100. The other end of the lever is rotated to engage an abutment surface 102 forming part of a protrusion 103 provided on the main body portion 36 of the adjustable locating element 34. Further rotation of the lever is used to drive the adjustable locating element 34 into the central tube of the roll of binding material and to bring the bores 40 in line with the bores 32 of the support element 20. The pin 30 can then be inserted to hold the adjustable locating element 34 in place. The clasp 33 attached to the end of the pin 30 is then pivoted about the adjustable locating element 34 to hold the pin 30 in position.

The larger gear 56 is provided with a spring biased locking handle 104. The locking handle serves to prevent undesired rotation of the rotary magazine.

In order to load a subsequent roll of binding material, for example a roll of a different binding material, the operator needs to move the biased locking handle from a first position in which movement of the larger gear 56 and so the magazine is prevented to second position in which the larger gear may be driven.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 9 , an operator then engages the removeable crank 60 is located in position with the first side element 6 so that the second smaller gear 58 engages the larger gear 56. The spring biased handle 104 can then be pivoted to the second position to release the larger gear 56. Rotation of the smaller gear 58 then causes the rotation of the binding material storage apparatus 20 about the axle 54. Once a further support element 20 is adjacent the binding material support 26, the spring biased handle 104 is returned to its initial position so that further movement of the larger gear 56 is prevented. The handle 60 is then removed from the second side element 6 and returned to a storage location. The process for loading a roll of binding material to a support element 20 may now be repeated.

Where an electric drive for the smaller gear 8 is provided, the operator will disengage the larger gear 56 using the releasable handle 104 before operating the user terminal 122 and reengage the larger gear 56 once the magazine has been rotated into the desired position. It is desirable that the smaller gear 58 is not used as the sole means to prevent movement of the larger gear 56 in order not to place undue strain on the drive mechanism of the smaller gear. The user terminal 122 is conveniently mounted on the baler to prevent inadvertent operation of the drive means without first moving the locking handle 104.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the locking handle 104 may be replaced by an electronic locking mechanism operated by the electronic control unit 110.

Once the binding material storage apparatus 20 has been loaded with the desired binding material(s), the operator rotates the binding material storage apparatus 20 until a desired roll of binding material is in position adjacent a binding material feed apparatus. The operator next removes a free end of the appropriate binding material and loops this over an adjacent guide element 62 and then directs the free end of the appropriate binding material into the adjacent binding material feed apparatus.

The second adjustable locating element 34 provided at the first end of the support element 20 may also be axially adjustable to allow for differing widths of rolls of binding material, for example rolls of binding film are typically of greater width than rolls of netwrap. In such a case the pin 30 is removed and the adjustable locating element 34 moved along the support element 20 to the desired position and the pin 30 returned. Conveniently the holes 32 in the support element 20 are arranged to allow for central positioning on each support element 20 of the most common widths of rolls of binding material.

From reading the present disclosure, other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such modifications may involve other features which are already known in the field of round balers and component parts therefore and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A binding material storage apparatus comprising a rotary magazine for storage of a plurality of rolls of binding material, the rotary magazine being rotatable about a horizontal axis between a plurality of discrete positions including a dispense position, each discrete position being suitable for storage of a roll of a binding material, wherein the rotary magazine includes first and second end plates between which a plurality of support elements extend, one support element for each of the plurality of discrete positions and wherein each support member is provided at a second end with a clevis joint mounted on a spindle retained within the second end plate of the rotary magazine, and wherein each spindle is provided with a gear mounted to the outside of the second end plate of the magazine.
 2. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising first and second side elements between which the rotary magazine is supported.
 3. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 2, wherein the rotary magazine is provided with a drive mechanism to selectively rotate the magazine between the discrete positions.
 4. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 3, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a first larger gear associated with a main axle of the rotary magazine and a second smaller drive gear associated with the second side element.
 5. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 4, wherein the drive mechanism is manually operated.
 6. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second smaller drive gear is associated with a disengagable crank adapted for releasable engagement with the second side element.
 7. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second smaller gear is mounted on the second side element and provided with electrically operated drive means.
 8. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 2, further comprising locking apparatus to allow releaseable engagement of the magazine with at least one of the first and second side elements.
 9. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein each support element is mounted for free rotation in the magazine.
 10. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein each support element comprises a bar and an end housing, a first end of the bar being mounted for free rotation with respect to the end housing.
 11. The binding material storage apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rotary magazine further comprises a latching mechanism releasably to retain the end housing to a first side plate of the rotary magazine.
 12. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the support elements is provided with a first adjustable locating element.
 13. The binding material storage apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the support elements is also provided with a second adjustable locating element. 